ZAMBOANGA CITY (MindaNews/28 February) – A judge was killed while his wife was unharmed in a shooting incident early Friday in this city, the police said.
Chief Insp. Felixberto Martinez, Police Station 6 commander, identified the victim as Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 14 Judge Reynerio Estacio, Sr.
Martinez said Estacio’s wife, Teresita, who was with the victim, was unharmed.
Estacio was driving his vehicle with his wife onboard on the way to the court when fatally shot around 7:40 a.m. Friday at Narra Drive, Barangay Tugbungan, the police official said.
Estacio was rushed to a hospital but was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician, Martinez said.
He said the windshield of Estacio’s vehicle bore seven bullet holes–five on the left side and two on the right side.
He said Estacio’s wife was unharmed as she managed to duck for cover.
Estacio was born in Margosatubig, Zamboanga del Sur but was raised in Luzon when his family migrated to Bulacan.
He was appointed as RTC judge in 2005. He had served as clerk of court at the Court of Appeals and as prosecutor in Caloocan City prior to his latest appointment.
He was set to retire on March 25 this year, according to court employees.
The Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi (IBP-ZamBaSulTa) chapter headed by Atty.
Emilio Aquino condemned the incident and urged the police for a thorough investigation.
Aquino said they were saddened by the incident, describing Estacio as a soft-spoken and fatherly person. (MindaNews)
